Stormers

Stormers coach Erasmus pulls Koster surprise

Super Rugby

11th February 2009

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Nick Koster, one of South Africa’s finest loose forward prospects, has been named on the wing in the Stormers side to play the Sharks in the Super 14 derby at Newlands on Saturday.

Stormers coach, Rassie Erasmus, said he felt the loosie had the talent to make the transition to the backline berth and he could foresee Koster would make mistakes as he adjusted his game.

Koster’s move to the wing has come about as a result of the injury to Fijian flyer Sireli Naqelevuki, who has nevertheless been named on the bench.

Erasmus will only bring Naqelevuki into the fray if Jantjes is withdrawn before Saturday’s kick-off.

There is still uncertainty about the fitness of Jantjes who has been bracketed with Percy Montgomery on the team list which was issued at Wednesday’s media conference.

Another interesting selection is that of loose forward Luke Watson, who has been named on the bench.

New signing Duane Vermeulen, has been preferred at the back of the scrum and he’ll be joined by Schalk Burger and Francois Louw in the loose trio unit.

Former Stormers Captain Luke Watson only makes the bench.

Stormers Team:

Conrad Jantjes/Percy Montgomery; Tonderai Chavhanga, Gcobani Bobo, Jean De Villiers (captain), Nick Koster; Peter Grant, Ricky Januarie, Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Andries Bekker, Adriaan Fondse, Brian Mujati, Schalk Brits, JD Moller.

Reserves: Deon Fourie, Wicus Blaauw, AJ Venter, Luke Watson, Bolla Conradie, Joe Pietersen and Percy Montgomery/Sireli Naqelevuki.

Sapa – Super14.com